Assessment of a System for Debris Removal at High Speeds: Implications for Roadway Operations and Maintenance. Issue 1 (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Valdes-Vasquez, Rodolfo; Lewis, Anderson M.; Strong, Kelly C.
• Is Part Of: Transportation research record. Volume 2440:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 9
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: Transportation -- Periodicals; Roads; Transport -- Périodiques; Routes -- Périodiques; Routes -- Conception et construction -- Périodiques; Roads; Transportation; 388.05
• DOI: 10.3141/2440-02
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0361-1981

Abstract

This paper describes an exploratory case study and field test for a system for debris removal at high speeds with the aim of identifying effective practices for state departments of transportation. Highway debris represents a traffic safety problem that requires a prompt response from transportation agencies. When drivers come upon road debris, they can make erratic driving decisions to avoid the debris; as a result drivers may compromise control of their vehicles and increase the likelihood of being involved in an accident. Highway debris can also be costly to the road authorities responsible for cleaning it up because they are exposed to safety hazards when removing debris, especially on high-speed and high-volume roadways. Innovative equipment that allows for debris removal at high speeds, such as the Gator Getter, has been introduced to the market. But independent research on the safety and traffic impact of these systems has not been done. To address this gap, this study covers the purchase, installation, and evaluation of debris-removal equipment as well as best practices for its safe use. The results suggest that there are many benefits to proactive debris removal, including mitigation of safety hazards for operations and maintenance crews. However, the preliminary results also indicate some equipment-handling hazards, required modifications to the system, and the need for operator training. Further research should focus on creating guidelines for safely and effectively removing debris from the roadway to minimize the number of crashes related to debris. Transportation agencies can use this study to develop their own formal guidelines for the removal of road debris.